Dustin Ward is a self-taught blade smith in Sitka, Alaska.
Dustin started forging blades in 2014 when the quality of his hunting knives was not up to his standards. He built his first forge out of a repurposed propane cylinder in his driveway and crafted blades when the weather allowed.
After a spinal fusion surgery at age 34, he was no longer able to work in the strenuous fishing and construction industries, as he had his whole life. Making knives from his home shop allows him the flexibility to work around his limitations while doing something he enjoys.
Slowing down a bit in the work part of Dustin's life allowed him to enjoy spending more time with his family. He has three daughters, a wife, and a dog (also female.) You will often see him with part of the family at local artisan and craft events or on the Ward Craft AK social media pages.
Over time, Dustin was able make adjustments to his homemade forge and add to his tool options to allow even more creativity to come from the shop.
In 2018, his wife, Ashley, began using the scrap materials in the shop, like antler and exotic wood, to create jewelry to add to the ever-growing collection of Ward crafts.
After a spinal fusion surgery at age 34, he was no longer able to work in the strenuous fishing and construction industries, as he had his whole life. Making knives from his home shop allows him the flexibility to work around his limitations while doing something he enjoys.
Slowing down a bit in the work part of Dustin's life allowed him to enjoy spending more time with his family. He has three daughters, a wife, and a dog (also female.) You will often see him with part of the family at local artisan and craft events or on the Ward Craft AK social media pages.
Over time, Dustin was able make adjustments to his homemade forge and add to his tool options to allow even more creativity to come from the shop.
In 2018, his wife, Ashley, began using the scrap materials in the shop, like antler and exotic wood, to create jewelry to add to the ever-growing collection of Ward crafts.
